-
1
Adams-Morgan is known for its fusion of cultures and its high concentration of trendy clubs, restaurants and shops. Because it's so small, it's easy to wander through. Browse the ethnic stores, and stop to sample cuisine from Ethiopia, Spain, Malaysia and more. On weekends, the area is jumping with vibrant nightlife and brings to mind the eclectic spirit of New York's Greenwich Village. It's only a... Read more »
-
2
Anacostia was one of DC's first suburbs when it was established in 1854, and its unusual name is Native American in origin. It sits across the Anacostia River from the Navy Yard, where most of its residents were employed. Unfortunately, Anacostia has a reputation for being a somewhat dangerous neighborhood, although efforts have been underway in recent years to rebuild along the waterfront and encourage... Read more »
-
3
Bordering the Potomac and only 3-4-mile drive from the District, this suburban area is home to several national military sites, including the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery and Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial. Although Arlington's primarily a residential area, a substantial variety of dining and lodging options and its accessibility to major attractions appeal to travelers.
-
4
Most people visiting Washington, DC, head directly to "the Hill," and with good reason; this large area contains many of our nation's most treasured sites and well-known buildings. You'll see the international symbol of democracy, the Capitol building, in addition to rows of lovely Victorian mansions, the humbling Supreme Court Building, the Library of Congress, Union Station and much more. You're likely... Read more »
-
5
For many people, the first stop in this neighborhood is the most famous residence in DC — the White House. If that doesn't interest you, enjoy a stroll down K Street, known as Lawyer's Row; visit the National Aquarium located, oddly enough, inside the Department of Commerce Building; or patronize the fabulous shopping and dining establishments that line Connecticut Avenue. This large area showcases... Read more »
-
6
Over the years, Dupont Circle has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Everyone is attracted to this lively section of town, full of art galleries, great restaurants, museums, theaters, parks and nightlife. Many of the best hotels are in this area as well. Because of its numerous leisure opportunities, you can always find a diverse crowd strolling the Circle, which sprang from the hub where... Read more »
-
7
Bustling with activity, Fairfax serves as a bedroom community for Washington, DC, as well as an important headquarters of business and industry. The surrounding area of Fairfax County is home to corporate offices of Fortune 500 companies such as Freddie Mac, General Dynamics, Nextel Communications, Capital One Financial, Sallie Mae, Gannett and NVR.
-
8
If you don't have the foggiest idea where the name of this neighborhood comes from, here's the story: The area was formerly the industrial hub of DC, and smokestacks and coal-fired factories pumped huge amounts of smog and fumes into the air. Although that doesn't sound appealing, the area has left its industrial past behind. Now it's bright, clean, and upscale, home to the famous Kennedy Center, some of... Read more »
-
9
Home to Georgetown University, this chic area is also home to a wealth of tony shops, four-star hotels and fashionable dining establishments. The society elite live in restored colonial homes in the tree-lined squares around Georgetown, and the active C&O Canal area is a haven for walkers, joggers, bikers and canoeists. The nearest metro is a fifteen-minute walk away, but you'll find the best way to take in this area is on foot.
-
10
The Mall is a lush green park area that extends approximately two miles from the US Capitol to the Washington Monument and continues on to the Lincoln Memorial. Features include 200 year old American Elm trees and several Smithsonian Institute museums. Look for attractions such as the Castle, which houses the Smithsonian Information Center, a great place to plan a day of sightseeing. Also, the National... Read more »
-
11
Northeast DC fans out from Union Station to the Maryland border. The Union Station side of Northeast is often considered part of Capitol Hill, due to its close proximity to the Capitol. In addition to being a train station, Union Station also contains a shopping mall, food court and several restaurants. Further down Pennsylvania Avenue, you'll find quite a few cute restaurants worth examining as well;... Read more »
-
12
Upper Northwest includes Rock Creek Park and the neighborhoods to its west. The Naval Observatory and National Cathedral are tucked away here among residential neighborhood dining and shopping. Enjoy a quiet retreat exploring archeological and natural history in one of the nation's oldest federal parks, Rock Creek Park.
Glover Park and Cleveland Park are your best bets in terms of restaurants and... Read more » -
13
A quick trip west from the Inner Harbor will take you into Pigtown, originally an area of stockyards manned by German and Irish immigrants. It's now a residential neighborhood, filled with classic Baltimore-style rowhomes with marble steps and formstone facades. Pigtown is now home to the B & O Railroad Museum, and the area's most famous son is memorialized at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum.
-
14
This neighborhood is host to the vast, well-designed National Zoological Park. You'll also find some of the best antique stores in the area and numerous dining options here. Down the less-chic but equally busy side streets, vendors peddle everything from coats to watches to stuffed animals. This is also the location of some of DC's largest hotels, so tour groups and convention crowds are common.
